If you’ve ever watched golf, you may have noticed that aides frequently stand behind gold players, carrying golf bags on their shoulders.
In the sport associated with the wealthy, golf bag carriers are known as caddies, a profession that has piqued the interest of many, including former Lebanon housekeeper Virginia Njeri.
Njeri returned to Kenya from Lebanon in 2015, seeking to improve her life after working as a housekeeper.
While still attempting to establish her footing, she was introduced to the high-end sport by her sister, who also suggested she join Nairobi’s Muthiga Gold Club.
Despite the difficulty of learning in a foreign environment, Njeri fell in love with the sport and was given rare opportunities to caddy for patrons at the Nairobi-based club.
On the other hand, she stated that the position was lucrative, with the money enabling her sustain her family and pay bills.
“Caddying pays. It has helped me with a lot of things. Financially, I use it to support my family and everything I do,” she said.
According to various accounts, caddies receive between 5 and 10% of the player’s tournament winnings.
Nonetheless, Njeri stated that locating a player was one of the game’s most difficult challenges.
She noted that most players were typically hesitant to hire new assistance in the field.
“You have to scramble for a living being a new person in a workplace. You don’t know who is playing, who is not playing,” she revealed.
Golf caddies play a crucial role in the game of golf by assisting players on the course.
Their primary responsibilities include carrying the golfer’s bag and clubs, performing course maintenance tasks such as repairing divots and raking bunkers and providing essential information about the course.
This includes offering yardages and distances to the golfer, advising on club selection based on various conditions like wind and terrain and helping with reading the greens.
Beyond these practical tasks, caddies also provide moral support, helping golfers maintain focus and composure throughout their rounds.
In terms of compensation, caddies typically earn a base rate for each round of golf they work, which can vary significantly based on their experience and the prestige of the course.
At the professional level, caddies often earn a percentage of the golfer’s winnings, which can be substantial depending on the golfer’s success.
For instance, at high-stakes tournaments, a caddie’s earnings can multiply significantly if their golfer performs well.
At non-professional courses, caddies may also receive tips in addition to their base pay, with more experienced caddies often earning higher tips due to their expertise and rapport with players.
To become a professional golf caddie, individuals usually start as a “B” caddie and work their way up to an “A” or “honor” caddie through experience and demonstrated skill.
Caddies who possess extensive knowledge of the course, strong green-reading abilities, and a talent for providing valuable advice are highly sought after by golfers.
As such, the role of a caddie is not just about carrying clubs; it involves a deep understanding of the game and the ability to enhance a golfer’s performance on the course.
